At this point I feel that it is also worth pointing out that Shantae’s magical abilities allow her to transform into a variety of creatures. So people arguing she needs the outfit, that wouldn’t work for belly dancing, at all times are apparently fine with her being an elephant in game:
But not with the idea that maybe she should wear something that doesn’t look like a sex shop parody of a Genie/Bellydancer outfit. It’s puzzling.
That and we should also mention, there was a vote for backers to decide which design for the “rival” genie would be used. Let’s look at the variety of options.
Gotta say, I’m actually impressed the design that eventually won was the one with bra straps so at least some suggestion of breast support and the least impractical shoes. Of course, we’ll have to wait until release to see if those are “in execution”.
– wincenworks
So, earlier we showcased WayForward’s tendency to go with either franchises or sexy girl games – and a lot of people rushed to claim that it was unfair to critique a character who uses bellydancing as a game mechanic, so let’s look at how they portray a pirate.
It’s also worth mentioning that the developers are not too heavily linked to the genie and bellydancer concept, they treat it more as a toy to play with.
I also feel it’s important to point out (as we’ve mentioned previously) it’s not okay to grab a culture and spin it up for sex. Bellydancers, especially traditional ones, do not wear fetish, low-rider pseudo-harem pants and a strapless top. They actually wear elaborate costumes involving layers of skirts, decorations and carefully crafted cholis to ensure there are no wardrobe malfunctions.
We wouldn’t say a game was okay for having a sexy character who ran around wearing slippers, a g-string, tutu and wonderbra because we’re told she’s supposed to be a ballerina. We shouldn’t rubberstamp this because we understand bellydancing to be a sensual performance.
– wincenworks
WayForward is a games company which seems to make two types of games:
1. Games built around established licenses ranging from Adventure Time to Silent Hill
2. Games built around sexy ladies,mostly this one called Shantae
And yes… based off the screenshot that I came across recently they are as ridiculous as the promo image suggests:
Now, all me a heartless cynic… but I can’t help but think that if sex sells – they shouldn’t have to do all these license games to keep the lights on.
– wincenworks